What should you do if a vessel not under command is overtaking you?

When you encounter a vessel not under command that is overtaking you, standing on with caution is the appropriate action. A vessel not under command is unable to maneuver and is therefore restricted in its ability to take evasive action. By maintaining your course and speed while staying vigilant, you can ensure a steady path and allow the overtaking vessel to proceed as safely as possible.

This approach aligns with the principles of COLREGs that prioritize safety and avoiding unnecessary alterations that might confuse the overtaking vessel. It also ensures that you are prepared to assess the situation continuously and react if the overtaking vessel's movements indicate a risk of collision.

Maintaining a steady course helps in predicting the behavior of the overtaking vessel more easily, which is crucial since they cannot maneuver effectively. Being cautious means observing and assessing the situation as it develops, ready to make adjustments if needed, without unnecessarily complicating the scenario by altering your own course unexpectedly.